Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 58/100 (MIXED)

2021 Porsche 911 Reliability Report

The 2021 Porsche 911 rates mixed on reliability, with fuel line leaks the main worry, including one reported fire after startup.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

5.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1072

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,300–$4,050

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact54/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity74/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability with fuel line leaks and injector faults, plus six recalls including a do-not-drive notice; the 2020 rates better and the 2022 draws more complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)
SEATS (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2021 is year 2 of the Eighth generation (992).

Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
A refresh arrives in 2024.
8th generation 911 (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.

2020: Eighth generation (992) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 2 of the Eighth generation (992).

2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Porsche 911?

Approach this one with caution. Reliability is mixed, and it sits well below average among 2021 sedans. Within the 911's own scored years it lands in the middle of seven. The 2020 rates good, while the 2022 is mixed with more complaints. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $1072, against $739 for the class.

Fuel system trouble is the main problem, and it accounts for three of five owner complaints. Fuel lines in the engine compartment leak onto hot engine parts, and some cars have failed more than once. One owner reported a fire at the rear shortly after startup. Others report injector electrical faults with a check engine light, rough running and reduced power warnings that a software update does not always clear. Fuel line repairs reportedly mean removing the engine and transmission, so the car can be down for weeks. Federal recall records list six recalls, one of them do-not-drive.

Ask for proof that every recall was completed and for records of any fuel line or injector work. A 2020 is worth a look.

Compared to the 2022 Porsche 911, which scored the same. See also the 2020 Porsche 911 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
+Not a first-year model
+Only 5 complaints reported

Cons

−Below-average reliability score
−Above-average repair costs for its class
−Above-average recall count
−FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Fuel line failures in the engine compartment are the most serious pattern (3 complaints)
−1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
−Safety recall: park-it advisory issued

Compare 2021 Porsche 911 With

2021 Chevrolet Corvette

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2021 Toyota Supra

Reliability: 64/100

Good

2021 BMW 4 Series

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2021 Ford Mustang

Reliability: 54/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park It

The 2021 Porsche 911 has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Porsche 911 Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Porsche 911. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V6970002021-09-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020-2021 911 Carrera and Taycan vehicles. The pressure input rod connection on the brake booster may be loose and could detach.

Consequence

A detached pressure input rod will cause the brake pedal to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair or replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB9.

25V8960002025-12-19

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 19, 2026.

24V8090002024-10-28Park It

WHEELS

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2025 Panamera, 2024 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 718 Spyder RS, and 2021-2024 911 vehicles. The center lock wheel bolt may fracture and cause the wheel to detach.

Consequence

Wheel detachment can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners should not drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will check the center lock wheel fastening system and replace any incorrectly manufactured parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 24, 2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ARC4.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Porsche 911? Check its history first

Fuel/propulsion system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Porsche 911, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Porsche 911 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head-Thorax (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (N/A)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Porsche 911Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$1072

vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

22%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

911

$1072

Category Avg

$739

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

17–21 MPG

Running cost: $4,350–$5,100/yr

Fuel + repair

15–18 city / 20–25 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
911 Carrera S 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	18	25	21	$3,300
911 Carrera 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	24	20	$3,450
911 Carrera 4 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	24	20	$3,450
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	24	20	$3,450
911 Carrera 4S 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	23	20	$3,450
911 Carrera 4S 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	17	25	20	$3,450
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	23	20	$3,450
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	17	24	20	$3,450
911 Carrera Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	24	20	$3,450
911 Carrera S 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	23	20	$3,450
911 Carrera S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	23	20	$3,450
911 Carrera S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	17	25	20	$3,450
911 Targa 4 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	24	20	$3,450
911 Targa 4S 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	18	23	20	$3,450
911 Targa 4S 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	17	24	20	$3,450
911 Turbo 3.7L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	15	20	17	$4,050
911 Turbo Cabriolet 3.7L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	15	20	17	$4,050
911 Turbo S 3.7L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	15	20	17	$4,050
911 Turbo S Cabriolet 3.7L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	15	20	17	$4,050

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Porsche 911.

Inspect the engine compartment for fuel smell, wet fuel lines, or fuel residue on engine parts.
Start the car and let it idle several minutes, watching for smoke, fuel smell, or rough running.
Scan for stored codes P0202 and P0204, which point to injector electrical faults.
Watch the dash for a check engine light or reduced power warning during the test drive.
Ask for service records showing fuel line or fuel injector repairs, and whether they came back.
Confirm remaining warranty or extended coverage, since fuel line repairs require removing the engine and transmission.

2021 Porsche 911 Common Problems by Component

5 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)SEATS (1)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 complaintsSafety-related

Fuel line failures in the engine compartment are the most serious pattern. Fuel leaks onto hot engine parts, and some cars have failed more than once. One of the three complaints describes a fire at the rear of the car shortly after startup. Other reports describe fuel injector electrical faults that turn on the check engine light, make the engine run rough, and bring up reduced power warnings. A software update does not always clear these faults. Fuel line repairs reportedly require removing the engine and transmission, so the car can spend weeks in the shop. No mileage pattern shows up in the reports.

3 complaints total1 fire

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 complaint

2021-06-11

2021 Porsche 911. Consumer writes in regards to missing computer chip for proper steering.

SEATS

1 complaint

2021-04-25

THE SEAT BACK RELEASE ON BOTH SEATS IS VERY HARD TO PULL. ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE STRAP BROKE FREE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT AND THE SEAT WOULD NOT RELEASE. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY DANGER IN A CRASH WHEN REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT

Best & Worst Porsche 911 Years

Best Porsche 911 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Porsche 911 Years to Avoid

No Porsche 911 years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 58 and 68 across 7 scored model years.

See full Porsche 911 years-to-avoid analysis

Porsche 911 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Porsche 911 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	64/100	Good
2019	64/100	Good
2020	60/100	Good
2021	58/100	Mixed
2022	58/100	Mixed
2023	58/100	Mixed
2025	68/100	Good

Porsche 911 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025	68/100	+10	Good	2	0
2023	58/100	0	Mixed	6	2
2022	58/100	0	Mixed	9	16
2021(selected)	58/100	-2	Mixed	6	5
2020	60/100	-4	Good	7	3
2019	64/100	0	Good	1	2
2018	64/100	—	Good	1	1

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Porsche 911 reliable?

Only in part. Its reliability standing is mixed, and it ranks well below average against other 2021 sedans. Among the 911's seven scored model years it falls in the middle. Owner complaints are few, but the serious ones involve the fuel system, and federal records show six recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Porsche 911?

Fuel and propulsion problems lead, with three of five owner complaints. Owners describe fuel line failures in the engine compartment and fuel injector electrical faults. Those faults bring on the check engine light, rough running and reduced power warnings. Some cars have had repeat fuel line failures.

Does the 2021 Porsche 911 have fuel line problems?

Yes, owners report them. Fuel leaks from lines in the engine compartment onto hot engine parts, and some cars have failed more than once. One complaint describes a fire at the rear of the car shortly after startup. Repairs reportedly require removing the engine and transmission, which can keep the car in the shop for weeks.

How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche 911 have?

Federal recall records list six. They cover service brakes, back over prevention, wheels, visibility, seat belts, seats, suspension and air bags. One of the six is a do-not-drive recall. Ask the seller for proof that every recall repair was completed before you buy.

Is the 2021 Porsche 911 better than the 2020 or 2022?

The 2020 rates better. It is listed as good, with three complaints and seven recalls. The 2022 is mixed like the 2021, but it has 16 complaints and nine recalls. The 2021 has five complaints and six recalls, so it sits between the two on reliability.

Don’t buy a 2021 Porsche 911 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 Porsche 911

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Porsche 911 does best on how many systems draw complaints (74/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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